Nonprofit to hold annual 5K Friendship Walk in Agoura

Contributed photo
Participants line up for the start of the 2012 Friendship Walk in Agoura Hills. The annual event is hosted by the Conejo Valley Friendship Circle, a nonprofit organization that addresses the challenges facing the families of children with special needs.

The Conejo Valley Friendship Circle will host its seventh annual 5K Friendship Walk on Sunday at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit, which was established in 2003 and serves more than 200 families of special-needs children in the West San Fernando and Conejo valleys. More than 300 teens volunteer with the Friendship Circle to be “buddies,” forming friendships and sharing activities with children with emotional or physical challenges.

“We encourage everyone to set up a walk Facebook page and ask their friends and family to sponsor them or to sponsor yourself or just donate,” Laber said. “My theory is there are so many of these runs where it costs $60 to participate, and most of it goes to the company that is running it and a small portion is goes to the organization. I feel just by coming, you are lending your support and you are raising awareness for children of special needs and Friendship Circle. I would hope if they could spare $10 or $50, great, or send out 10 emails to raise $100, great also.”

Laber said the goal is to raise $200,000 for the programs, which include weeklong summer and winter day camps and the Sunday circle group, which has art and music instructors and a therapist in attendance.

Bobby Webster, who has a 15-year-old sister with autism, has almost raised his goal of $6,000.

“Last year, I raised $5,000 and I felt I could go beyond that and do more for the community,” said the 17-year-old, who has been involved with the group for three years.

Laber said a carnival at the school after the walk will feature a BMX bike show, face painting, food and live music.

“Even if you can’t donate, it’s important to come out,” Laber said. “It really means a lot to the families when they see people coming out, and it gives them a sense of community. Our tag line is: ‘One community walking strong for children with special needs.’ ”